Preview: Rochdale

19 August 2016

mkdons.com

MK Dons go in search of their third straight away victory this afternoon, when they travel to Rochdale’s Crown Oil Arena.

Karl Robinson’s men beat Shrewsbury Town in their Sky Bet League One opener at Greenhous Meadow, before following it up with come-from-behind success at Newport County in the first round of the EFL Cup.

Although they haven’t been able to maintain the winning feeling in their two recent home fixtures, the Dons will be looking to continue their strong form on the road and, hopefully, increase their points total to seven – a would-be solid return after the first four games.

They have on their side good form against today's opponents too, having won four of the last five meetings with Rochdale.

Kick-off is at 3pm.

THE OPPOSITION
Rochdale have enjoyed a mixed start to the 2016/17 season and will be out to claim their first league success of the campaign this afternoon.

Dale opened up with a 3-2 defeat at home to Peterborough United before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory over League One rivals Chesterfield in the EFL Cup.

Keith Hill’s side then held promotion-hopefuls Sheffield United to a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane but they weren’t able to build on that result earlier this week, losing 1-0 at Port Vale on Tuesday evening.

LAST TIME OUT
The Dons saw their unbeaten start to the campaign come to an end at Stadium MK, after a 2-1 defeat to Bradford City.

The Bantams, who finished in the League One play-off places in 2015/16, took the lead through Josh Cullen’s scrambled finish before doubling their advantage courtesy of a 25-yard strike from Billy Clarke.

Robinson’s men responded in the second half and dominated large portions of the final 45 minutes but despite Ed Upson grabbing his first Club goal in stoppage-time, they weren’t able to overturn a two-goal deficit for the third time in a row.

“We know how hard it’s going to be. It’s always a challenge against Rochdale so we’ll have to be at our best.”

“Their manager has been with the club for a long time and has been successful there.

Karl Robinson: “Rochdale are certainly a good side. They’ve gone to Bramall Lane this season and put a great performance in there. I’ve watched a number of their games and they have real quality.
FIGHTING TALK

His two assistant referees will be Barry Gordon and Danny Markham, while the fourth official is David Richardson.

Boyeson has taken charge of just two games so far this season, but has already produced seven yellow cards. He has yet to make sending off.

Carl Boyeson will be the man in the middle, with the East Yorkshire official refereeing the Dons for the first time in almost two years.
REFEREE

Ruben Noble-Lazarus and Peter Vincenti have both been suffering with ankle injuries of late and will be monitored ahead of kick-off, while Joe Rafferty and Oliver Rathbone are expecting to miss out through their own respective problems.

Rochdale may hand a debut to new signing Steven Davies, who has joined the Greater Manchester outfit on a one-year deal.

Chuks Aneke (knee) remains out.

One positive for the Dons is the return of midfielder Ben Reeves, who is back available after a spell on the sidelines with a calf problem. Samir Carruthers also made it through Tuesday’s match following his comeback from a groin injury.

Darren Potter (hip) and another unnamed key player both suffered injuries in the 2-1 defeat to Bradford City on Tuesday, while three others didn't travel on Friday due to illness.

Karl Robinson has a number of concerns heading into today's clash at the Crown Oil Arena.
TEAM NEWS

Keith Hill: “Karl is a good manager and he wants to play the right kind of football. They are a very intelligent, hard-working and attack-minded team.”